CPR & AED Importance

What is CPR and AED?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a live-saving technique that helps to ensure blood flow from the heart in the event of a cardiac arrest. CPR increases the likelihood of surviving from cardiac arrest, a condition which is often fatal without immediate treatment. Without any intervention, your chances of survival against cardiac arrest drop by 7-10% every minute.

CPR should be performed when someone is unresponsive and not breathing or gasping for air.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can help restore a normal heart rhythm in someone with no pulse. When used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest in tandem with CPR, it can greatly increase a person’s chance of survival. It may sound intimidating, but an AED is very easy to use. When it is turned on, a voice will guide you through each step, including advising when a shock is advised and when it is not.

Why is it important to learn CPR?

1. CPR saves lives
   Cardiac arrest can happen to people at any time or place and victims of cardiac arrest should be treated immediately for the best chance of survival. If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple their chances of survival.
2. CPR protects from brain death
   During a cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. The brain can suffer irreversible damage following several minutes of oxygen deprivation. CPR helps to keep blood flowing and minimize possible brain damage to the victim.
3. CPR makes your home safer
   According to Senior Director of the Singapore Heart Foundation, Mr. Teng Chiun How, “80% of all cardiac arrest cases happen at home and if you know how to perform CPR+AED effectively, you will be able to provide help to your loved ones in times of emergency.” Learning CPR can give you the confidence to take action and provide aid when an emergency happens.
4. You’ll know what to do during a cardiac emergency
   Being trained in CPR gives you the knowledge, confidence and skills to stay calm in the event of a medical emergency to help a person in need.
    

Saving Lives: Why Does CPR+AED Training Matter?

Time is of the essence when treating someone suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. A victim’s best chance of survival is if a bystander is able to step up and administer prompt first aid through the application of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Read the story

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Located in the chest on the left, the heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients.

A healthy heart is essential to good health. In fact, a healthy human heart beats about 100,000 times a day, with an average adult’s heart beating about 60 to 80 times per minute.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a term that houses all conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about heart health, including:

• Importance of Heart Health: Understand the importance of maintaining your heart health.
• Common Heart Disease: Learn about the different types of common heart diseases and their characteristics.
• Key Risk Factors: Explore various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may leave you susceptible to heart disease.
• Ways to Improve Heart Health: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your risk of heart disease.

What is Heart Health?

Heart health is the overall well-being of your cardiovascular system, which consists of your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, collectively known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A healthy heart functions to efficiently pump blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. It is important to maintain good heart health for your overall well-being and longevity.

Importance of Heart Health

• CVDs are a leading cause of death globally, making heart health crucial for overall health.
• Poor heart health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

• Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
• Modifiable Factors:
  • Lifestyle: Diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
  • Health: Pre-existing conditions (i.e., diabetes), obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol

Symptoms of Heart

Disease Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Heart Diseases in Singapore

• Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart disease and happens due to blockages in your coronary arteries.
• Heart Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular.
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
• Congenital Heart Disease are heart defects present at birth due to abnormal heart development during pregnancy.
• Heart Failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened or damaged and can't pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs.

Improving Heart Health

Here are some helpful ways to improve your heart health:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables while limiting your intake of fats and sodium.
• Engage in regular physical activities with at least 150 minutes of moderate activities or 75 minutes of vigorous activities.
• Achieving a healthy weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI).
• Quit Smoking and avoid tobacco use
• Learn ways to manage your stress as chronic stress may contribute to heart disease.